Researchers Demonstrate Gecko-Inspired Geckskin Adhesive on Multiple Surfaces

Posted on April 26, 2014

Researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst demonstrate how their gecko-inspired Geckskin adhesive can be used to stick objects onto many different types of surfaces in the video below. In the video, researchers stick a monitor to different walls and windows using a strip of Geckskin.

UMass polymer science and engineering professor Al Crosby says in a statement, "Imagine sticking your tablet on a wall to watch your favorite movie and then moving it to a new location when you want, without the need for pesky holes in your painted wall."

Geckskin does not mimic the tiny, nanoscopic hairs on gecko feet. Instead the inventors say they were inspired by "draping adhesion," which derives from the gecko's integrated anatomical skin-tendon-bone system. Soft elastomers and ultra-stiff fabrics such as glass or carbon fiber fabrics were used to create Geckskin. UMass polymer science researcher Dan King says, "The key to making a strong adhesive connection is to conform to a surface while still maximizing stiffness."

Biology professor Duncan Irschick says, "The gecko's ability to stick to a variety of surfaces is critical for its survival, but it's equally important to be able to release and re-stick whenever it wants. Geckskin displays the same ability on different commonly used surfaces, opening up great possibilities for new technologies in the home, office or outdoors."

The researchers say Geckskin supports high loads and can be used repeatedly. Take a look:

A research paper on Geckskin was published here in Advanced Materials.

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